The Kiwi

Golf Carts are included in this itinerary to New Zealand and do not require a medical certificate. Please note Te Arai is a walking only facility and golf carts are not provided. 

 The Fliers Club is happy to facilitate caddy requests however taking a caddy is not required and the costs are the responsibility of the individual golfer as this cost not included in the program price. Caddies operate as independent contractors at each golf club and are cash only for their services. The average cost for a caddy is NZ $80.00 + NZ $40.00 tip in New Zealand. Please note caddy requests and fees are for one golfer (single bag carry only). A request for a caddy to carry two bags, is at the discretion of the golf course and the caddy themselves. This request should be made by the golfer directly with the golf course and caddy on the day of play. The only courses that offer caddie services on this tour are Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, and Te Arai.

Proof of a valid USGA Handicap is recommended but not required by most golf courses we visit. Please provide this information for our records and carry your USGA handicap card on your person when you travel – The most recent handicap revision is encouraged, and the hard card printed at your home club or USGA GHIN mobile phone application is acceptable proof. Some courses have handicap limits and/or require a handicap certificate to be produced when you check in with the starter. The limits are typically max handicap for Men is 24 and Women is 36.

Pace of play in New Zealand is similar to the US. Most courses expect rounds to be completed in 4-5 hours dependant on weather conditions. If rangers deem that play is excessively slow, golfers may be requested to pick up their ball on the hole and move to the next hole. In extreme circumstances, golfers may be requested to the leave the course if slow play is persistant.

 Pull carts are typically NZ $10.00 in New Zealand and are available at each golf course without requiring a reservation. Golfers requiring a pull cart may simply rent one through the Caddie Master or Pro-Shop upon arrival to the golf course.

Most golf courses have a very limited number of clubs available to rent. Rental clubs should be requested in advance to ensure availability on the day of play. The quality and brand of rental golf clubs varies from course to course. Please notify The Fliers Club if you require rental clubs.

TFC has partnered with Luggage Forward as our preferred shipping provider. All TFC travelers receive a 10% discount through Luggage Forward. You can get an accurate quote to ship your clubs to and from tour: luggageforward.com/book/goplaygolf. Luggage arrangements should be made at least 15 days before departure to ensure a timely arrival.

Weather in New Zealand is often beautiful however it does rain. Unless there are unsafe conditions for the golfer or the golf course, golf will be played in wind or rain. Should a round be canceled or postponed, The Fliers Club will work with the group and the course to reschedule or refund the greens fee.

 All golfers are expected to arrive in suitable golfing attire which includes collared shirts, pressed trousers or tailored shorts on the courses and clubhouse surrounds. Smart casual wear is accepted dress code in most clubhouses. Jeans, trainers, and round neck tee shirts are not allowed on the courses or in the clubhouse. Please remove hats and rain gear when entering the clubhouse. It should be noted that some clubs require pants in Australia or socks above ankle length.

Most golf courses have full driving ranges. Putting and chipping greens are often available for use near the first tee.

Depending on the time of year, weather in New Zealand is warm. Average temperature in February ranges from 65-80 degrees. The days are warmer with the nights being cooler. Layers are always a good idea including one set of rain gear in case of a stray rain storm during your round.

  Make sure you notify your Bank and Credit Card company that you will be traveling outside the US. It is good practice to take cash out of an ATM once you arrive to get the best exchange rate in the moment. Most credit card companies now offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. If you have a card that offers no foreign transaction fees it is best to utilize your card for most purchases. Please note that VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted for credit card purchases however AMERICAN EXPRESS is not as widely accepted in the smaller towns and villages we travel to.

Most major mobile phone providers offer a day pass for you to utilize your existing phone and data plans while traveling abroad. This pass can vary in cost from $10-20 per day – please contact your carrier for the exact details and pricing. WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants. 

Traveling outside the US will require you to purchase a travel adapter to provide power to the items you may be traveling with IE mobile phone, laptop, hairdryer etc. The country you are visiting will determine which adapter is best for you. Adaptors are easily purchased through Amazon.com ahead of your travels or upon arrival to your final destination in the airport and in most convenience stores.

It is customary to tip your Full-Time Driver/Guide $20 NZD per person per day for a job well done. The customary tip for a Local Guide is NZD $100 total per group. Additional tips for outstanding service are always appreciated, but never required.